"Passing the Sacrament"

Today it worked out that Jonathan was able to pass the sacrament to our family. It was surreal seeing my son...dressed up in the white shirt and tie...and standing there revently waiting as we partook of the sacrament bread. Jonathan received the aaronic priesthood on June 8, 2008. It hardly seems possible that he is even old enough to be passing the sacrament! He is your typical 12 year old boy...teases his younger sibling unmercifully...makes obnoxious sounds and trys to assert his new found independence from his parents. There is also something not so typical about Jonathan. He is such a good older brother...and a wonderful example to his younger sisters and brother. When we ask him to do his chores or help out around the house...he always does what he is told the first time that he is asked. He has such a tender heart...and is always concerned about his younger siblings as well. He is especially protective over Cosette and Savannah. If they are missing for a long period of time...he is the first to ask where they are and then go check on them. When we first got pregnant with Jonathan...we were under the impression that he would be a girl. It is not that we didn't want a boy...but we had discussed in length about naming our first daughter Lillian after David's aunt. When we went into the ultra sound...the tech asked if we wanted to know the sex of the baby...we said that we thought it might be a girl...and then she said..."Well you better think of some boy names as well!" I remember looking at David and his mouth was almost hanging to the floor in shock. We were quick to get excited about having a son first...and named him before he was even born. We named him Jonathan after the biblical "Jonathan" who was King David's best friend. King David had always had a special place in David's heart...and he wanted to reflect that in the choosing of his first born child's name. So on June 6, 1996...Jonathan David Allen was born...and here he is 12 years later...our little deacon...almost a young man...time goes by to fast! When he was set apart...he was told in his blessing to always honor the women in his life...especially his mother, sisters and future companion. I was grateful that the Lord took the time to let Jonathan know how important the "women" in his life are. I have no doubt that he will ALWAYS honor the women in his life. Jonathan, we are so very grateful for your righteous example to our family each day...and that you have chosen to receive the priesthood and become a deacon. Never forget the special day when you received one of the greatest gifts a man can receive in this life my son...always honor the priesthood and it will always honor you! We love you so very much and are so proud of you...always remember that! Love Your Parents!